THE guiding light who led the BIG4 caravan park and resort chain to its pinnacle of success is leaving for new pastures.

Terry Goodall has revealed he will sign off as chief executive officer of the organisation on July 16.

"My time at BIG4 Holiday Parks has been both enjoyable and rewarding but after seven-and-a-half years I am ready to seek new challenges," he said in a statement.

Mr Goodall was "proud" to be part of the BIG4 family and to have had the opportunity to contribute to the growth of what was now "the dominant force in the caravan and camping industry and a major player in the wider tourism and accommodation sectors".

"What I have enjoyed most at BIG4, is being part of such a tremendous organisation where 180 independently-owned holiday parks have come together for the greater good of the industry, continually improving standards and staying ahead of the game," he said.

"It has been an honour to work with all the park owners, the various boards I have reported to, the shareholders and the staff at BIG4 holiday parks around Australia, who are what the brand is ultimately all about."

Mr Goodall said the highlights in his role as chief executive officer included orchestrating and rolling out the re-branding of BIG4 in 2003; development and implementation of the BIG4 Online reservation system and the redevelopment of BIG4's leading web presence, reflecting the organisation's cutting edge position in the industry.

He had enjoyed widening the appeal of holiday parks to a more general audience – in particular the young family market; building the marketplace profile of the BIG4 brand so it became the "undisputed leader" in the industry and forging strong relationships between BIG4 Holiday Parks, Kampgrounds of America and TOP 10 Holiday Parks in New Zealand.

"The caravan and camping industry has changed dramatically over recent years in its ownership structure, in the sophistication of the product and in the demographic of guests now using the holiday parks," he said.

"Going forward, I see the caravan and camping industry continuing to evolve and growing in popularity as Australian and overseas holidaymakers discover the fantastic product the holiday park has become and offers.

"I also see BIG4 Holiday Parks continuing to be a benchmark for the industry and I predict great things for the future of the brand."

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE